Each year, Travel + Leisure asks its readers to take part in the travel industry‘s most prestigious survey called the World’s Best Awards. Readers rate airlines, hotels, destinations, and tour operators, among others. Readers were asked to rate tour operators on the following criteria: staff/guides, itineraries/destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and value. On July 6, 2011, Travel + Leisure announced that ROW Adventures separated itself from the world’s most renowned tour operators, standing alone as #1 on the list of Top Tour Operations with an overall score of 97.97 out of a possible 100. It was the highest ranking in any category.

“We are honored with this recognition and very grateful to all those who have trusted us with their precious vacation time. For 33 years our goal has been to set the high watermark in adventure travel and this confirms that we’re on the right path” says founder Peter Grubb. “Our mission of Sharing Nature-Enriching Lives embodies our commitment to our guests as well as stewardship of the environments where we operate. We are so appreciative that our guests, and Travel + Leisure readers, have been so moved by our guides, staff and places we visit that they took time out of their busy lives to tell the world about ROW Adventures in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Survey. It’s quite humbling.”

“Almost every day, I listen to stories of life-changing experiences from our guests when they call to tell us about their trip,” reports Candy Bening, an adventure consultant at ROW for over 16 years. “It’s almost like we are family. In a day where everything is becoming automated and depersonalized, I’m thrilled to see that our deliberate, personal, intimate approach has made a difference in peoples’ vacations and lives.”

Based out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, ROW Adventures started as a whitewater rafting company in 1979. Since then, they have grown into an international adventure travel company that creates and operates authentic itineraries to 17 countries around the world following sustainable travel practices. To learn more, please visit:www.rowadventures.com.

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